Any Nikon 85mm f/1.4D Users?

[Yi-P]

How many here owns this lens?

Will you replace this with a 17-55, or 28-70? Or vice-versa. Why or why not?

Just want to know your opinions.

[jben_net]

I wouldn't replace the 85 with either of those lenses. They all have their individual uses. The 28-70 is a good studio lens but isn't as fast as the 85. The 85 has the best bokeh out of these three lenses, and the focal length is way different to the wider 17-55.

[Oz_Beachside]

im considering selling my 85 / 1.8 (not the 1.4 that I wish for later), to fund my 28-70, HOWEVER 2.8 and 1.8 are very differnt bokeh/DOF so I may well keep my 85/1.8 until the 1.4 later, so, no, I wouldnt see those lenses as replacements, but complementary.

[wendellt]

got it

the 85f1.4 is the cream machine producing the best quality bokeh in the nikon range

stopped down to f4+ it's one of the sharpest primes

[the foto fanatic]

Funny question?

Why compare a fast prime lens with a zoom lens which doesn't even include the same focal length?

For a start, f:1.4 is two whole stops faster than f:2.8. This is a huge difference. It's the same as the difference between ISO 100 and ISO 400. In other words, no comparison.

And 85mm doesn't compare with 17-55 or 28-70 which don't really compare with each other anyway.

Sorry to sound so blunt, Yi-P, but different lenses do different jobs, which I'm sure you know. I don't believe that there is one "killer" lens. I think that different lenses will give different results to the same shot.

If I have misunderstood the reason for your question, please set me straight.

[digitor]

There's no comparison between the 85/1.4 and the other lenses you mention, Yi-P. So, no, I won't replace mine with one of them, or a dishwasher, either!

Cheers

[phillipb]

, I won't replace mine with one of them, or a dishwasher, either!

Cheers

I would, for the dishwasher that is! Frees up a lot of time for taking photos.

[Yi-P]

Thanks for all the replies,

To clear things up, I may seem to have asked a stupid question. But I'm on my way deciding whether to get a 85/1.4D or the one of the other two killer lenses.

I clearly understand the means of all the different lenses and all that, just will like to know what other may think between the lenses decisions.

Thanks,

[Killakoala]

It comes down to what it is you are planning to use the lens for. If you buy an 85:1.4 then you will love it to bits as it's a great lens. It's sharp, it's fast and it produces images that are amazing. Images of models look better just because of this lens.

The 28-70 is also a top lens but it's use will vary from the 85:1.4

To your original question as to whether i would replace my 85mm 1.4 with either of the others, the answer is an emphatic NO. I am in the process of purchasing a 28-70mm to compliment it though. I would not buy the 17-55 but would instead consider (as i have) the 17-35mm, but then again i still shoot on film so a DX lens is not an option for me.

[Oz_Beachside]

I read in here, or perhaps dpreview, some great advice when considering lenses.

It was to carefully consider your long terms needs, and look at acquiring, through time, a complementary set of lenses, rather than a "what do i need now approach" (which was what I had started with).

And for me, this showed maturity.

For example, I like to use all lengths, but different speeds, at different lengths, as some of my subjects are V8 supercars, some landscapes/seasides/sunsets/archtecture, and some studio portature.

So for this, my longer term toolkit looks something like;
12-24 - nice for archtecture width, landscapes...
28-70 - Studio, portrait, weddings/parties
80-200 (or the 70-200 VR, if the budget permitted)
I dont need the 400 end, as not a bird watcher.
85/1.8 (until the 1.4, which is after the 12-24)

This is my list, to match my needs. Each of these lenses are well regarded, and great quality, which of course means they are not cheapies, but imports make it a great bargain thanks to the new facility!!!

For me, the best advise I have received, and could offer, is to take your time. Just when you think you have made up your mind, wait, and grab your current len(s), spend other day in the world, and consider carefully.

[gstark]

Yi-P,

The advice you have been given here is about as good as it gets. The most important factors that you should be considering is how and why you're going to be using these lenses.

As Oz_Beachside suggested, your longer term needs are the consideration here, as you should be building towards a kit of glass that will address your needs as and when photographic challenges arise.

The lenses you're asking about do complementary jobs and should not generally be viewed as either/or choices.

So it really comes back to a question of "which of these do I buy first".

[Yi-P]

Yi-P,
So it really comes back to a question of "which of these do I buy first".

Yes, thanks Gary, and others


You've just cut down my question to the very sharp edge now, which one FIRST?


My intention, or mostly what I will need the new lens is for, low-light indoor, party events/functions, and outdoor portraits/events. So will this settle down for a bit of definate choice over the 3 lenses, or any other suggestion?

Thanks again,

[digitor]

My intention, or mostly what I will need the new lens is for, low-light indoor, party events/functions, and outdoor portraits/events. So will this settle down for a bit of definate choice over the 3 lenses, or any other suggestion?

Thanks again,

One thing you can be absolutely certain of is that the 85 beats the hell out of the other two at f1.4

You need to weigh up the importance to you of the two stop advantage over the focal length difference. If you have another lens that covers that length, try taping it fixed at 85mm and see how you like it for the sort of indoor locations you'll be shooting in.

Cheers

[Oz_Beachside]

Assuming on Digital format, the 85 may be a bit long for some of your events/group portraits. the 50/1.4 may be a nice starter? They are only about $500 retail in Melbourne, no doubt a great buy via the new facility in here...

[Oz_Beachside]

although the current 85/1.4 is a proven winner, does anyone know if there is a new generation coming?

[moggy]

Or the 28-70 f2.8 would cover both inside and outside and make a good walk around lens. Just my $0.02.

Bob.

[digitor]

although the current 85/1.4 is a proven winner, does anyone know if there is a new generation coming?

Somebody over at the source of all knowledge (dpreview) reckons that it will soon be replaced by a 28-85 / f1.4 zoom

I wonder if it will be AFS & VRII as well?

Cheers

[Oz_Beachside]

28-85/1.4 oh no, what a pleasure!

thanks for the tip.

[digitor]

28-85/1.4 oh no, what a pleasure!

thanks for the tip.

Don't hold your breath

I don't think this is a very likely proposition

Cheers

[Yi-P]

Lets pray for a new AF-S VR 85mm f/1.2G lens


But right now, I'll comfort myself with even a 85/1.4D with pleasure

[spada]

Lets pray for a new AF-S VR 85mm f/1.2G lens


But right now, I'll comfort myself with even a 85/1.4D with pleasure

Shot at f1.4 under roof, no flash , very little pp done to this



one word this is the one to keep.

[MCWB]

My intention, or mostly what I will need the new lens is for, low-light indoor, party events/functions, and outdoor portraits/events. So will this settle down for a bit of definate choice over the 3 lenses, or any other suggestion?

For indoor group shots at weddings/parties/anything , I love the 17-55 DX + SB800 + LightsphereII. The 28-70 DX is also obviously great, but if you want a full-length shot of a group of people at 28mm you're going to have to be standing a fair way back, which may be a luxury you don't have; of course if you're happy with torso-only shots then 28 mm is fine.

The 85 f/1.4 is a kick-arse lens, but I suspect it's a luxury item for many people. I really want one (eventually), but I don't know if I can justify ~$1400 on a lens that I probably wouldn't use all that much.

[rokkstar]

I have the 85mm 1.8 and love it. I use it more than my 50 and it seems to be on the camera more often than not.
I don't know what the benefits of the 1.4 are over this - mine is bloody sharp. Perhaps bokeh is better. I don't know but for a third of the price the 1.8 is fantastic.

I'd love the 17-55 or 17-35. I played with Geoffs 55 on the AW and loved it and would probably get that as well rather than make a choice.

[Yi-P]

For indoor group shots at weddings/parties/anything , I love the 17-55 DX + SB800 + LightsphereII. The 28-70 DX is also obviously great, but if you want a full-length shot of a group of people at 28mm you're going to have to be standing a fair way back, which may be a luxury you don't have; of course if you're happy with torso-only shots then 28 mm is fine.

Thats very true, getting a group with the 85 seems to be nearly impossible on a DX body, unless Im terribly far away from the group. The 28-70 certainly have a good range and reach, but then its price, size, weight and bokeh are next to consideration.

The 85 f/1.4 is a kick-arse lens, but I suspect it's a luxury item for many people. I really want one (eventually), but I don't know if I can justify ~$1400 on a lens that I probably wouldn't use all that much.

I have played around with the 28-70 and 17-55, they both are stunners of lenses, I really liked them. I havent got a chance to get my hands on a 85/1.4 or 85/1.8 to justify its performance by my needs. So this is a very hard decision on ~$1400 for a lens.

[spada]

The 85 f/1.4 is a kick-arse lens, but I suspect it's a luxury item for many people. I really want one (eventually), but I don't know if I can justify ~$1400 on a lens that I probably wouldn't use all that much.

That is true Trent , this was an impulse buy from 2005 AW with heavily discount from Birddie, together with 50mm , they are the least use lens for general purpose( walk around ) , but if it is in the capable handand that has application for it ( like Wenndell) it is a lethal weapon.it did give very sharp pictures at wide open in any F mount nikon that why it is still impress me but admitttedly I use the kit lens 90% of the time

[wendellt]

here is an example of the 85mm wide open

it is soft but the differential focus is so extreme that the detailed bits are pretty sharp and everything else is flushed in varying degrees, much more dimension than the 28-70 at f2.8

right out of the camera d2x 100% crop jpeg 71% compression original image jpeg

260kb file
http://www.zeduce.org/images/fashion/backstage/big06.jpg

[padey]

85mm at f1.4 is seriously sharp.

Look at this shot, it's to sharp and revels all blemishes.